Penn State lineman Landon Tengwall talks 2022 setback, 2023 outlook, and overall improvement
Penn State offensive lineman Landon Tengwall was locked into starter reps at guard when the Lions reached their bye week with a perfect 5-0 record. However, that suddenly changed when a pregame injury at Michigan caused him to miss that contest.
Initially, there was hope that the second-year blocker could return at some point for either the stretch run or perhaps the postseason. Instead, head coach James Franklin announced on Nov. 8 that Tengwall had season-ending surgery for an undisclosed injury and would miss the remainder of the year.
“Obviously, it’s tough,” Tengwall told BWI at team media day before the Rose Bowl. “But, you have to keep your head down and work and support your teammates and be happy to see other guys get that opportunity and keep grinding.
“You have to keep working, and look ahead for the future. You can’t dwell on the fact I’m not playing. You just focus on the comeback and support the guys.”
This past season was not a total loss for Tengwall. After playing in three games during his first year on campus in 2021, the former four-star recruit from Maryland played 50-plus snaps in four of the five contests he suited up for and also reaped the benefits of winter workouts, spring practice, and summer camp.
“I think overall, just my comfort level, that was big for me,” Tengwall said. “I played in a couple of games by freshman year, and coming into this year, I think I built up some confidence.
“It didn’t end how I wanted it too. But, going into spring ball and next year, it definitely gave me a good boost of confidence.”
When will Tengwall return to action for Penn State in 2023?
All injuries that require surgery plus the rehab time that follows take different amounts of time before a player is ready for game action. Tengwall did not reveal what his injury was. But, he’s hopeful to be back on the field in March.
“I don’t want to make any definite promises,” Tengwall said. “But, I should be almost full go in the spring. I just want to improve every day, and fix one thing every day, and work on one thing. I think that’s how you improve as a player.
“That’s going to be my focus, just selecting one thing every day.”
Tengwall is one of six returning Penn State offensive linemen with starting experience. The list also includes tackles Drew Shelton, Olu Fashanu, and Caedan Wallace, guard Saleem Wormley, and soon-to-be newly-minted center Hunter Nourzad. It projects as a strength for the Lions in 2023. And, the position battles should be fierce and lead to a strong performance across the board next fall.
“I think we got great leadership and as we just bond so well as a group,” Tengwall said.
“We’re all so close and excited to go to work with each other every day. All of that bonding has made up so close, and you see that product on the field.”
